Autumn-Christmas food and drink festivals in the UK

As the weather begins to get colder, comforting food and drink become a necessity. Check out our recommendations for the best UK food and drink festivals across autumn and winter.

Autumn is a great time for food festivals, with autumnal delights being sold alongside traditional Christmas goodies as winter approaches. You’ll find local foods and speciality produce, including artisan cheeses, oils, chutneys and liqueurs. Feel virtuous buying local produce from small businesses, while enjoying an amazing variety of sumptuous flavours and textures.

It’s worth mentioning that drivers shouldn’t drink any alcohol at any of these events before getting behind the wheel – leave that to the passengers!

Beer lovers will enjoy this fantastic three-day festival with craft breweries spread across a three-story building. You can join beer masterclasses, or take part in quizzes. There’s also music and entertainment while you peruse the delights on offer from local food vendors. Over 20 breweries will attend, with a focus on Scottish beers. Ciders and spirits are available for sampling too!

This year the Foodies Festival Christmas takes place at Tatton Park, a Neo-Classical Mansion in Cheshire with extensive gardens and grounds. Visitors will be able to try recipes created by top chefs, watch experts at work in the Chef’s Theatre, or admire patisserie chefs making delicious treats in the Cakes and Desserts Theatre. Additionally, there are workshops, champagne tastings and Christmas-themed cocktails to enjoy.

Over 100 exhibitors will be appearing at Rufford Abbey Christmas Market this year, offering a range of artisan foods, drinks, gifts, and jewelry. Sample cheeses and chillis; specialty wines and fancy oils. Hot food stalls will be offering tasty treats, and you can enjoy seasonal mulled wine as well as other alcoholic beverages to warm your spirits in the cool autumn air.

Chilli food creators from across Britain will be at this Chilli Fiesta in December, located inside the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Visitors can sample curries, spicy dishes, chilli sauces, pickles, and salsas. Where better to be ‘chilli’ in December! You can also watch the ‘Clash of The Titans’, the Fiesta’s infamous chilli eating competition. In true Christmas spirit, the funds raised from the event support Derby museums.

Visit Cambridgeshire Christmas Crafts & Food Fair in Godmanchester for a variety of artisan food and drinks, as well as arts, craft and gift stalls. With over 100 stalls, there’s plenty of choice and variety. It’s the perfect place to try new foods while indulging in a touch of Christmas shopping.

Indulge yourself in a full range of catering as well as a licensed bar at the Berkshire Christmas Fair, near Reading, this December. You can sample new and unusual foods and drinks, while buying crafts, seasonal gifts, and home products. An ideal event to relax at and revel in the festive atmosphere!